Crystal Palace Blast UEFA After Europa League Demotion

Crystal Palace have launched a fierce attack on UEFA and the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) after losing their fight to remain in the Europa League.

On Monday, 11 August, the Football Association (FA) Cup winners were dropped into the Conference League after UEFA ruled that American businessman John Textor – who previously held a 43.9% stake in Palace – still had decisive influence over both the club and Lyon.

Unfortunately, Textor’s late share sale last month had little impact on the breached multi-club ownership rules, with Lyon promoted to the Europa League and Nottingham Forest taking Palace’s place.

The Eagles insisted they are not part of a multi-club set-up and branded the decision unjust in a fiery club statement, claiming “sporting merit is rendered meaningless”. They went on to accuse UEFA of favouring “certain clubs, organisations and individuals” and allowing others with “huge informal arrangements” to compete.

The south London side also criticised the CAS process, stating that it “severely” limits equitable hearings by refusing key evidence and witness testimony. They called for clear, consistently applied rules, reasonable compliance periods, and equal treatment for all clubs.

While still considering legal options, Palace will enter the Conference League later this month, vowing to play with the same determination that took them to FA Cup glory.

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